What: A job search and
networking Web site for former employees of Arthur Andersen
Who: Jonathan Goldsmith,
founder of AndersenAlumni.net
Where: Chicago
When: April 2002
After getting laid off from accounting firm Arthur Andersen,
Jonathan Goldsmith was inspired to make a fresh start-not only for
himself, but also for his co-workers who had also lost their jobs.
"Andersen was such a family," explains Goldsmith, 29. So
he started his Web site, AndersenAlumni.net, a place where former
Andersen employees could network, post resumes and find new job
listings.
His sales are based on advertising, as Goldsmith didn't want
to charge the Andersen alums a membership fee. At first, people had
their doubts. "Everybody was telling me it was a stupid
idea," he says. But not charging membership actually helped
Goldsmith build a user base and attract advertisers. In fact, the
advertisers sought him out after they heard about the site via
word-of-mouth.
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Now, with a user base of more than 6,000 Arthur Andersen alums
and sales expected to surpass $70,000 this year, Goldsmith is
looking to expand his business. He'd like to hire a staff
(he's currently a sole proprietor), seek out more advertisers,
and add new features and services for Andersen alums.

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